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Plans for Homecoming 2019 are already underway and we hope you will be able to join us for the law school’s festivities. On Friday, October 25, the university’s annual parade will begin at 2 pm and that evening, from 6-9 p.m., we will host our College of Law Alumni Reunion Reception. This year’s event is being graciously sponsored by McConnaughhay, Coonrod, Pope, Weaver & Stern P.A., and will take place at the firm’s Tallahassee office. We invite all alumni to join us for our Alumni Association Board of Directors Meeting and Alumni Tailgate Party at the law school on Saturday, October 26. Times for both events will be determined after the Syracuse vs. FSU football game start time is announced. We are delighted to be celebrating the Class of 1969 at Homecoming with a 50-Year Alumni Brunch on Sunday, October 27, from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. In addition, there will be 10-year reunion events planned by the classes of 1979, 1989, 1999 and 2009. More information about Homecoming 2019 is available on our website. We hope to see you in October!
- Dean Erin O'Connor
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3L Eddie Brower Wins CLEA Outstanding Clinical Student Award
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|  | In June, FSU Law Public Interest Law Center faculty and staff presented Eddie Brower with an award from the Clinical Legal Education Association. Pictured (L-R) are Professor Carla Laroche, Fellow Caitlyn Kio ('18), Professor Darby Kerrigan Scott ('07), Brower, Professor Jennifer LaVia, Professor Paolo Annino ('83) and Program Associate Carl Baum.
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FSU Law rising 3L Edward “Eddie” Brower was recently presented the Clinical Legal Education Association Outstanding Clinical Student Award! Brower has participated in two of the Public Interest Law Center’s four clinical courses, the Children’s Advocacy Clinic and the Veterans Legal Clinic.
An excerpt from Brower’s nomination packet stated, “While enrolled in the clinics, Eddie took on any and all clients and tasks that were offered to him. He learned areas of law completely unfamiliar to him in order to advocate on behalf of his clients. Eddie completed all of the clinical requirements and, when his cases would benefit from extra time and attention, he gave it freely. Eddie’s compassion for the clients was evident from the many hours, even on nights and weekends, that he poured into his cases.”
While enrolled in the Children’s Advocacy Clinic (CAC), Brower studied social security law and used that knowledge to advocate on behalf of a young man in danger of losing his social security benefits, his only source of support. After completing the CAC, while participating in the Veterans Clinic, Brower recognized that the social security case was in a critical stage and he continued to take the lead on behalf of the client, all while working on behalf of the veterans he was newly representing. Even this summer, after completing both clinics, Brower continues to volunteer on the young man’s case.
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Alum Profile: Harriet W. Williams (’88)
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Harriet W. Williams is a partner at Williams Law Group P.A. in Tallahassee, where she practices in the areas of administrative law, civil litigation, collections and family law. Williams manages collection efforts on behalf of banking, asset maintenance and corporate clients, including litigation of claims, pre-judgment actions, discovery matters in foreclosure actions, promissory notes and loan defaults. She also represents clients in pre- and post-judgment remedies, including but not limited to, writs and garnishment proceedings. Williams has represented clients in a wide variety of civil matters ranging from breach of contract to administrative proceedings for civil rights violations. Williams assists family law clients with the drafting of wills, probate estate matters, power of attorney, guardianships, codicils to wills, custody disputes, dissolution of marriage, child support enforcement and establishment, parenting plans and modifications of judgments. She has won numerous awards for her community and pro bono service, including most recently the 2019 Alberto Romero Making a Difference Award. The award is presented by The Florida Bar Family Law Section and recognizes the work of section members and affiliates who provide outstanding pro bono services, engage in significant volunteer community activities that improve the lives of Florida’s children and families, and encourage other section members to volunteer. Williams has completed more than 1,000 pro bono hours, predominantly in the area of family law, helping clients with custody cases, child support and dissolutions of marriage. She also mentors several attorneys and currently is mentoring students handling cases through FSU Law’s Gender and Family Justice Clinic.
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Student Profile: 2019 Grad Andrew Burnstine
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Desired Practice Location: Orlando
Field of Law Sought: Commercial litigation, business law and corporate law
Originally from Lake Mary, Andrew Burnstine earned a bachelor’s degree in environmental science from Florida State University. Now a double ’Nole, Burnstine graduated from FSU Law with honors in May 2019. He also earned the Business Law Certificate. During his 3L year, Burnstine clerked at Citizens Property Insurance Corporation, where he drafted memoranda detailing legal research on a variety of legal topics and provided litigation support for legal claims against the company. During the fall of his 3L year, Burnstine participated in the College of Law's Business Law Clinic. There, he advised startups on legal issues, assisted with entity selection and the drafting of business formation documents, drafted contracts related to independent contractor relations and corporate governance, and received the Book Award for the class. The summer after his 2L year, Burnstine was a summer associate at The Main Street America Group in Jacksonville. He drafted memos, reviewed contracts and assisted with due diligence research during the company's merger with American Family Insurance. During the summer after his 1L year, Burnstine interned at HD Supply in Orlando, where he worked with corporate counsel and prepared and reviewed contracts. Burnstine was a member of the Business Law Society and the Student Bar Association. He participated in the Law School Council and was an article and notes editor for the Journal of Land Use & Environmental Law. In addition, Burnstine has a passion for competitive sports. He enjoys playing basketball and played intramural basketball throughout his seven years at FSU. Burnstine also plays golf, leisurely and in charitable tournaments. He enjoys volunteering in the community and helping others. If you are interested in hiring Burnstine, visit his LinkedIn profile.
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“I am so grateful for my time at FSU Law. The knowledge, experience and friendships that I have gained have been invaluable. As I pursue the next step of my legal career, I know that my experience and skills will translate well and that I am ready for any challenge.”
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